Analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging features of neurolymphomatosis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the imaging characteristics and value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in neurolymphomatosis.Methods Eight cases (3 males,5 females,age range: 35-82 years) with neurolymphomatosis confirmed by histopathology were included in this study.The imaging characteristics of the peripheral nerves surrounding the neurolymphoma lesions and contralateral normal tissue on 18F-FDG PET/CT were analyzed,and SUVmax was measured.Paired t test was used for data analysis by SPSS 12.0.Results Eleven lesions with increased 18F-FDG uptake in 8 cases distributed along the plexus,nerve bundle or intervertebral foramen,and shaped like bars,nodules or masses.The lesion SUVmax(6.54±3.23) was significantly higher than that of the contralateral normal peripheral nerves (1.15±0.48; t =9.357,P＜0.001).The neurolymphoma lesions on CT showed no significant density change with reference to the surrounding tissue.Conclusions The most common 18F-FDG PET/CT features of neurolymphomatosis is high 18F-FDG uptake along the neurovascular plexus,bundles or intervertebral foramina with shapes like bars,nodules or masses.18F-FDG PET/CT is a useful tool for the localization and T staging of neurolymphomatosis. Key words: Marek disease ; Tomography, emission-computed ; Tomography, X-ray computed ; Deoxyglucose